The Kingdom of Gerdain
*Racial Breakdown*: 90% Mountain Dwarves and Deep Dwarves, 10% other.
*Population*: Unknown
*Major Industries*: Mining, Technology, Smithing, Construction.
*Military*: Medium land forces, no navy, little use of magic, heavy engineering
*Government*: Monarchy
*Current Ruler*: Great Thane Valak Belstein
*Capital*: Nellerdan
*Major Strongholds*: Claradar, Nellerdan, Dolgerhan
History
Arguably the second oldest Kingdom next to that of the Grey Elves, the Kingdom of Gerdain exists inside the large mountainous regions which border the Eastern Kingdom. A reclusive nation at the best of times, few have ever seen beyond its massively defended "Doors to the Light." If it weren't for the world's lust for Dwarf-constructed materials, perhaps the doors would never open. Although reluctant to become involved in the matters of the outside world, the Dwarven Kings have proven themselves honourable and wise rulers in times of crisis, albeit somewhat self-serving.
Little is known of Gerdain past, although it's known Gerdain has been ruled by multiple strongholds throughout history of its existence.
Very recently, Antioch has declared war on the Deep Dwarves of Gerdain.
War of the Dark
The Kingdom of Gerdain is thought to have had a strong relationship with the Grey Elves, and it prides itself on being the Elder Race of the Earth. Nevertheless, a few believe that a kingdom which lost 30% of its underworld home to Goblins in the War of the Dark cannot truly claim such a high title. Despite the nay-sayers, the Kingdom of Gerdain is a major power in the world and is slowly being dragged into the political forefront since the arrival of the Eastern Kingdom of Berphaunt above its homelands.
Claradar was a mammoth underground city-state at the southernmost part of Gerdain. This huge complex had a cavern system of many levels, huge rooms and multiples connections to the surface. It was known for its many ancestral halls and council chambers. Claradar was the oldest stronghold, and is the origin of all dwarf history. It was built during The Move and later abandoned near the end of the Goblin Wars for reasons unknown to the common dwarf.
18 years ago, something went wrong, and large sections of Mithral mines were permanently sealed off.
Close to Claradar, a dispute has flared between Gerdain and Berphaunt regarding the land rights of an above-ground Mithral mine which straddles their borders. Neither kingdom will accept a mediator, and troops have begun to enter the area in a show of force for both sides. Military outposts have been erected on either side of the mine, and it lies unused as negotiations drag on.
Nellerdan is, by far, the largest underground cavern complex in existence, nearly twice the size of Dolgerhan. It spans over twenty miles underground and is reported to be 37 levels deep. Nellerdan was built during the Goblin Wars after Claradar was abandoned. This city's main gates are closed to the outside world and used only for transporting major quantities of merchandise or troops.
Dolgerhan is a much younger city and is a cultural mixing pot of dwarf and human.
Many of the minor Dwarven cities have small underground complexes beneath them, and the underground front remains in constant war with dark goblins.
Politics
Gerdain run by large dwarven families called Strongholds. The current ruling Stronghold is Great Thane Valak Belstein's Stronghold. A second Stronghold, overseen by Thane Kilnek Malond, has been rising in power.
Gerdain is known to be allies with Maub'Dib.
Religion
Church and state are fairly separate in Gerdain. Religion and gods are viewed as tools, and called upon only when needed. It is rumoured that a large church to Erphant (the earth elemental lord) may be found in Nellerdan.
Societal Views
Males and females are on equal footing in Dwarf society, although their roles are often separate and distinct from one another. Both are treated fairly by the people and laws. Males tend more toward business and war. Females tend more toward the family. However, Dwarven females are considered militant, shrewd, business-minded and organized by most other races.
Dwarf marriages are monogamous relationships between a male and a female. They believe that marriage is eternal and transcends even death. Only by the dying breath of the spouse can permission be granted to remarry, though more times than not, the spouse will choose to honour the deceased spouse by not remarrying.
Dwarf households consist of only the core family. Families are usually quite large, averaging four children. It's not unheard of having a near full family tree within a few buildings of each other. This is done to promote family values and a sense of loyalty. Very little ceremony surrounds the birth of a dwarf child. Reproduction is seen simply as a basic function of society.
Children are highly prized. Traditionally, fathers care for and raise male children and mothers raise the daughters. This causes a small, but acceptable gender rift in the society. Both sons and daughters are educated. Discipline is strict compared to other cultures, but fair.
Dwarves bury their dead. It is only natural that dwarves wish to return to the ground after death. Dwarves believe that they and the land are eternally intertwined. Dwarves believe they are formed of rock, and upon death they return to the rock.
Trade
Major exports include ore, precious stones, armour, weapons, and technology.
